Why the Procedure is Performed

Rarely, cryotherapy may be used to treat some skin cancers. However, skin that is destroyed during cryotherapy cannot be examined under a microscope. A skin biopsy is needed if your health care provider wants to check the lesion for signs of cancer.

Risks

Cryotherapy risks include:

Blisters and ulcers, leading to pain and infection

Scarring, especially if the freezing was prolonged or deeper areas of the skin were affected

Changes in skin color (skin turns white)

After the Procedure

Cryotherapy works well for many patients. Some skin lesions, especially warts, may need to be treated more than once.

Outlook (Prognosis)

The treated area may look red afterwards. A blister will often form within a few hours. It may appear clear or have a red or purple color.

You may have a little pain for up to 3 days.

Most of the time, no special care is needed during healing. The area should be washed gently once or twice a day and kept clean. A bandage or dressing should only be needed if the area rubs against clothes or may be easily injured.

A scab forms and will usually peel away within 1 to 3 weeks, depending on the area treated.

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